Juventus give straight answer to Man Utd transfer interest in Matthijs de Ligt

New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is in the UK ahead of what promises to be a major revamp at Old Trafford, with a number of new arrivals expected

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Rangnick is hoping to finally meet new Man Utd boss ten Hag

Juventus have acted quickly to try and tie Matthijs de Ligt to a new contract following reported interest from Premier League clubs including Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag worked with the Dutch defender during his time at Ajax and is now looking forward to seeing him again at Old Trafford. The new United boss is now in the UK after cutting his time in the Netherlands to give himself a head start on rebuilding the Red Devils’ mammoth work.

Ten Hag will take part in United’s final game in a miserable Premier League season where a defeat at Crystal Palace could see them relegated to Europa Conference League next season. That would directly affect his recruiting plans as he seeks to attract players capable of executing his high-pressing style.

De Ligt would have no such problem as the centre-back played a key role in the run that saw Ten Hag’s Ajax come within a whisker of reaching the Champions League final in 2019. And he would reportedly be interested in signing him for United. As their leaky defenses remain an issue he must resolve.

United have conceded 56 Premier League goals this season despite having Raphael Varane with Harry Maguire at the heart of the defence. Captain Maguire has endured a torrid season while Varane has struggled for fitness.

It’s understood Ten Hag would like a quick defender who’s comfortable on the ball, as well as a new midfielder to take on the role of No.6 and a striker to complement Cristiano Ronaldo.

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De Ligt is a perfect fit for United but they face a battle to persuade him to leave Torino with a new deal from the Italian giants reportedly on the table.

Having signed for £77million in 2019, De Ligt currently has two years left on his contract and the Bianconeri bosses are keen not to find themselves in a situation where they could be forced to cash in next summer.

tuttomercato report that the 22-year-old has been officially presented with two proposals, the first of which lasts until 2026, while another sees him take a pay cut but reduce his exit clause. Talks are said to be ongoing, with De Ligt still debating the new clauses and salary.

Meanwhile, United’s summer plans appear to be gaining momentum next week, with Ten Hag and interim boss Ralf Rangnick discussing how they will move forward. Rangnick, who will remain at the club in an advisory capacity, confirmed he has been in contact with the new boss but will have a face-to-face meeting at the end of the season.

He explained: He said: “We have been in touch via WhatsApp and hopefully have the opportunity to meet and speak in person, either over the weekend or by Monday morning at the latest. I look forward to speaking to him personally and getting to know him personally.

“I still firmly believe there is a core of top players who are worthy and good enough to play for this club and hopefully most of those players will still be here next season. If the board, Erik, the scouting department will help them with any issues I can bring to help them.”